Week 1 of Pregnancy

Here is the truth that confuses almost everyone new to pregnancy tracking: at 1 week pregnant, you are not actually pregnant yet. Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), which means week one is essentially your period week. Your body is doing important preparatory work, though. Inside your ovaries, follicles are maturing, each containing an egg that could potentially become your baby. One of these follicles will eventually release a mature egg during ovulation, typically around week two or three of your cycle. Your uterine lining is simultaneously preparing to shed and then rebuild itself into a thick, nutrient-rich environment ready to welcome a fertilized egg. This is the biological groundwork that makes pregnancy possible, even though conception is still about two weeks away.

If you are trying to conceive, week one is your time to optimize your body for pregnancy. Start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400-800 mcg of folic acid immediately - this is critical because neural tube development happens before most women even know they are pregnant. Cut back on alcohol and caffeine now, not later. Start tracking your cycle using apps like Fertility Friend or Premom if you are not already. Pay attention to your cervical mucus changes - this will help you identify your fertile window. Many experienced TTC community members suggest having intercourse every other day starting around day 10 of your cycle to maximize your chances without depleting sperm count. Focus on whole foods, reduce stress where possible, and get adequate sleep.